Child custody in Michigan: What options do you have?

When it comes to child custody in Clinton Township, whether you are getting a divorce or you are not married to the other parent, child custody issues can be some of the most difficult decisions you will have to make. Not only do you have to consider your own feelings, but you should also consider your children’s feelings and try to keep their best interests in mind.

In Michigan there are two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Here at The Law Office of Lorrie J. Zahodnic, P.C., we see parents who are seeking one or the other and we know how important it is for you to understand what each involves.

Legal custody gives you the right to have a say regarding your child’s life, including education, religion and medical decisions. This means that if your child suffers a medical emergency you have the ability to decide what type of care your child receives. Typically, both you and the other parent share joint legal custody evenly, but this may not always occur.

Physical custody, on the other hand, determines where your child or children will actually live and with whom. If you have physical custody, your children will live with you the majority of the time, while the other parent receives separate parenting time. However, the amount of time you and the other parent will be granted can differ, depending on the other parent’s involvement as well as factors such as abuse or addiction.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.